Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201473%22%3%2%641
200756%33%6%5%869
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Should be accepted, Should be discouraged

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are ages…

Views about homosexuality18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Should be accepted14%32%30%24%459
Should be discouraged6%12%28%53%135
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Views about homosexualityYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Should be accepted12%6%29%36%16%1%459
Should be discouraged5%2%12%36%36%10%135
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Views about homosexualityMenWomenSample size
Should be accepted41%59%467
Should be discouraged51%49%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who identify as…

Views about homosexualityWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Should be accepted95%1%1%1%2%463
Should be discouraged96%2%< 1%2%< 1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Views about homosexualityImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Should be accepted3%7%90%463
Should be discouraged2%7%90%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who have a household income of…

Views about homosexualityLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Should be accepted16%21%33%31%403
Should be discouraged30%28%26%16%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who have completed…

Views about homosexualityHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Should be accepted24%32%26%18%464
Should be discouraged52%32%7%9%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Views about homosexualityMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Should be accepted61%5%8%8%19%465
Should be discouraged63%3%11%13%10%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Views about homosexualityParentsNon-parentsSample size
Should be accepted27%73%467
Should be discouraged13%87%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say they…

Views about homosexualityBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Should be accepted61%33%3%< 1%1%1%467
Should be discouraged79%18%2%1%< 1%< 1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say religion is…

Views about homosexualityVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted51%40%7%1%< 1%467
Should be discouraged75%15%10%< 1%< 1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who attend religious services…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted32%54%14%< 1%467
Should be discouraged44%38%17%< 1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who pray…

Views about homosexualityAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted52%27%8%12%1%467
Should be discouraged65%26%3%5%< 1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who attend prayer group…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted12%7%14%67%< 1%467
Should be discouraged26%17%7%49%1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who meditate…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted27%11%4%57%1%467
Should be discouraged46%10%4%37%2%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted56%19%13%11%1%467
Should be discouraged58%26%7%8%1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted42%23%12%23%1%467
Should be discouraged45%15%10%28%2%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about homosexualityReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted27%9%55%6%2%467
Should be discouraged42%2%48%7%1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say…

Views about homosexualityThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted25%73%2%< 1%467
Should be discouraged41%59%< 1%< 1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who read scripture…

Views about homosexualityAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted21%14%17%48%< 1%467
Should be discouraged39%18%13%30%< 1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say the holy scripture is…

Views about homosexualityWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted9%46%2%36%7%467
Should be discouraged55%34%1%7%3%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …in heaven

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted82%9%8%467
Should be discouraged93%4%3%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …in hell

Views about homosexualityBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Should be accepted56%35%10%467
Should be discouraged75%14%11%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who identify as…

Views about homosexualityRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Should be accepted38%10%52%467
Should be discouraged55%13%32%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…

Views about homosexualityConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted26%45%26%3%467
Should be discouraged54%29%16%1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who would rather have…

Views about homosexualitySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted57%36%5%2%467
Should be discouraged83%15%1%1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say government aid to the poor…

Views about homosexualityDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted42%52%4%1%467
Should be discouraged62%33%3%1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say abortion should be…

Views about homosexualityLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted73%26%1%467
Should be discouraged44%52%3%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …same-sex marriage

Views about homosexualityStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted84%11%5%467
Should be discouraged8%89%3%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say…

Views about homosexualityStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted27%71%2%1%467
Should be discouraged54%43%1%1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by views about homosexuality

% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say humans…

Views about homosexualityEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Should be accepted28%45%4%21%2%467
Should be discouraged8%25%3%59%5%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.